Merrill Craig Obituary

Description: Merrill Craig Obituary... Our Heartfelt Condolences To Her Loved Ones...

Jan 5th, 1928 – Oct 21st, 2023

Obituary

Merrill Craig, 95, passed away on October 21, 2023 at Fowler Healthcare Nursing Home. Born January 5, 1928 in Rocky Ford, to the late Evangeline (Hauck) and George Arlington Blotz.

Ms. Craig’s family has Rocky Ford roots dating back to its original settlement south of the Arkansas River. She graduated from Rocky Ford High School and earned her Bachelor's degree in Education from Portland (Oregon) State University before moving back in 1971. She taught seventeen years at Liberty Elementary School in Rocky Ford. During this time she earned her Master's degree in Education from Adams State University in Alamosa.

She was a dedicated teacher, working late nights grading papers, and talked often about former students and their career and life paths. In her final years she sponsored university scholarships for young people from small villages in rural Cambodia who she considered “her kids” just like her fourth graders at Liberty. She lived long enough to see them graduate into professional careers including many English teachers.

Ms. Craig was an avid reader and loved to play cards in bridge clubs and with friends into her 90’s. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Rocky Ford.

Ms. Craig was preceded in death by her parents, Arlington and Evangeline Blotz, and siblings Arline Fox, Jack Blotz and Byron Blotz. She is survived by her son Robert (Robin) Craig of Scottsdale, Arizona; daughters Catherine Craig of Springfield, Oregon and Phyllis (Paul) Schneider of Amesbury, Massachusetts; and grandchildren Alexander Schneider and Jessica Schneider.

A family graveside service will be held at a future date at Hillcrest Cemetery in Rocky Ford with Pastor Marty Lee officiating.

Bellwood Ford Ustick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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